Questions & Answers about Zij voelt een diepe verwantschap met de natuur.
How does the suffix -schap work in the word verwantschap?
The suffix -schap turns a base word into an abstract noun, often describing a state, condition, or collective. Here, it is added to the adjective or noun verwant (related / a relative) to create verwantschap, meaning the state of being related, or kinship.
How do we know to add an -e to diep to make it een diepe verwantschap?
Because verwantschap is a de word. When you use the indefinite article een with a de word, the adjective still gets the -e ending. A helpful rule is that almost all abstract nouns ending in -schap that describe a state or condition (like vriendschap or blijdschap) are de words.
Why is it de natuur instead of just natuur like in the English word nature?
In English, we usually drop the article when talking about general, overarching concepts like nature, society, or history. In Dutch, you must keep the definite article for these broad concepts. Therefore, nature is translated as de natuur.
Does verwantschap only mean an emotional connection, or can it mean a biological one?